Dome Pondering Movie Review: Taken (2008)

What it's about?

The thrill seek of a former government spy with specialized skills that has 96 hours to save his daughter from being forced into the underground trafficking world of young American women in Europe.

Who is in it?

Liam Neeson - Bryan Mills

Maggie Grace - Kim

Leland Orsor - Sam

Jon Gries - Casey

Olivier Rabourdin - Jean-Claude

Favorite Scene

While speaking to her father, Bryan, on the phone from Europe, Kim witnesses the break-in of a couple of men who scuffle with her friend and eventually take her. Her father orders her what to do as she waits in fright under the bed for her to be taken.

Favorite Quote

"Okay, stay calm. They are now going to take you."

Review

Taken is a film that has very little depth to it, written for the suspense and action junkie. Despite being filled with chase scenes, big stunts, and numerous fighting action, Taken sells itself on sheer adrenaline.

The characters are rushed in terms of development, and "Bryan" seems very one-dimensional despite early scenes used to make him seem like a normal everyday-joe kind of guy. Also, Taken left several holes in the plot as it progressed. Characters that he comes across in his quest are not followed up on or are phased out leaving the viewer with question marks. Not to mention Bryan's MacGuyver-like ability to always have what he needs for the current moment without any explanation of where it came from.

All in all, Taken seems all the bit too rushed. It strikingly resembles a modern Steven Seagal movie, which is up to you to interpret. However, for the 93 minute playing time it has, the action, suspense, and thrill creates enough interest to surpass the lack of depth and plot holes that comes with it. Not a bad watch, but, certainly not anything to alert the masses about.

Grade: 2/5

Recently Read Posts

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 9/25/22

3 Up 1. Albert Pujols - 700 homeruns is insane. Even through a generation of steroids, the number is incredibly exclusive (sans, you know, Bonds). So much props to Pujols who literally puts himself in some rarified discussions among the game's greatest. Here are some quick thoughts from yours truly on Pujols hitting 700 . 2. PATHFINDER - The fight against cancer just got a smidge better. GRAIL announced results from their PATHFINDER study that may have found ways to provide early detection screening to significantly enhance the discovery of cancer well before symptoms begin. I accidentally ran into this story - why isn't this more headline news? SMH. 3. Pandemic Over? - The World Health Organization (remember them, before everyone suddenly became public health experts) described COVID as an "acute global emergency". Going even further, announced that 20M global deaths were avoided last year due to vaccines. Just outright amazing. 3 Down 1. Brett Favre - No resp

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 10/2/22

3 Up 1. ALS Ice Bucket Challenge - Just when you lose faith in the purpose of the internet and social media challenges, this OG of social media trends pops up to remind us of when the internet was a source of good powers. All jokes aside, it is pretty awesome to see such a trend make a true difference, and not just for internet clout. 2. Aaron Judge - 61 home runs. Just unreal stuff from the big man. Keep it going. 3. John Cena - Speaking of unreal, I honestly don't think Cena gets enough credit for his Make-a-Wish efforts. Kudos to Cena for the consistency, and for doing so with an extraordinarily busy schedule. 3 Down 1. Hurricane Ian - Florida is in absolute shambles. So many homes were lost. So many lives were ruined. Keep so many of these people in your thoughts, prayers, vibes, and everything else. 2. NFL and Tua - Everything - EVERYTHING - about the Tua situation is why I find football such a tough sport for me to consume regularly. Shame on the NFL for Tua even being

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 6/19/22

3 Up 1. Father's Day and Juneteenth - A combined weekend of all-sort of celebrations, reflections, and appreciation. Sending gratitude and good vibes to all fathers, substitute fathers, step-in fathers, mentors, and figures who have helped shape the lives of many. Also, take some time to reflect and think through the reflective day that is Juneteenth - new to so many - of the horrific start to our country's existence, and the freedom that came after a century of captivity. 2. Ashley Adirika - This is a dope story. It's the kind of story that is amazing and quite frankly, inspirational. Adirika, a Florida teen, graduates high school with offers from all Ivy schools and many more top institutions in the country. If that wasn't enough, Ashley also started her own non-profit organization to help mentorship for young women. Unbelievably amazing. 3. Steph Curry - My dude was cooking! Steph continues to be one of my favorite athletes, and such a joy to watch. I was there

5 Thoughts on Pujols Hitting 700

It almost feels like the negative vitriol that surrounded Major League Baseball and its labor issues have dissipated into an air of forgetfulness and forgiveness. A season that has brought us old-school lore with the chasing of historical numbers by way of Aaron Judge and Albert Pujols, and the likes of a modern-day Babe Ruth, in another dominant season by Shohei Ohtani, would ultimately do that. Sprinkle in some amazing rookies on the rise, and all of sudden it's, what did I say about baseball's treatment of fans? It's been some season... In this post, I want to focus on Albert Pujols...the "King", the "Machine", one of the greatest ever. After hitting a historic 700th Home Run ( by the way, I definitely predicted that back in March - just humble-bragging a bit), I wanted to drop five (fitting, yeah?) thoughts on Albert Pujols: GREATEST EVER?! - Pujols' career often feels like the Angels' years were some sort of nightmare or a bad edition in a

Dome Pondering

Search This Blog